Massachusetts charge against Gene Shalit to be dismissed

The 86-year-old Gene Shalit was cited in October after his vehicle struck a utility pole and came to rest against a house in Lenox, in western Massachusetts. Shalit, who lives in nearby Stockbridge, wasn't hurt. He told police he fell asleep.

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. (AP) -- A misdemeanor driving charge against retired television movie critic Gene Shalit is set to be dismissed in Massachusetts.

The 86-year-old Shalit was cited in October after his vehicle struck a utility pole and came to rest against a house in Lenox, in western Massachusetts. Shalit, who lives in nearby Stockbridge, wasn't hurt. He told police he fell asleep.

The agreement between police and Shalit's lawyer was approved during a probable cause hearing Wednesday in Southern Berkshire District Court. The hearing was continued to April 2, when the driving to endanger charge will be dismissed.

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Shalit's lawyer tells The Berkshire Eagle his client won't drive until the next hearing, at which time his driving status will be re-assessed.

Shalit, known for his bushy hair and mustache, reviewed movies for NBC's "Today" show from 1973 until 2010.